Verse in Greek
Ἀναγκαῖον δὲ ἡγησάμην Ἐπαφρόδιτον τὸν ἀδελφὸν καὶ συνεργὸν καὶ συστρατιώτην μου, ὑμῶν δὲ ἀπόστολον καὶ λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου, πέμψαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς,
Focus Topic: Double Accusative with Infinitive of Intent
This verse provides a rich example of Greek syntax involving a double accusative construction with a complementary infinitive, along with appositional phrases and possessive genitives. The grammar reflects Paul’s personal affection and theological appreciation for Epaphroditus.
Main Verb: ἡγησάμην
ἡγησάμην is aorist middle indicative, 1st person singular, from ἡγέομαι (“I consider, I regard”). It governs a double accusative construction, with both the person considered (Epaphroditus) and the action determined (πέμψαι).
Double Accusative Construction
In Greek, verbs of mental activity (like ἡγέομαι) can take two accusatives: the person or object considered, and the predicate or complementary idea. Here, Paul considers Ἐπαφρόδιτον (accusative) + πέμψαι (infinitive: “to send”) — “I have considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus.”
Apposition and Titles
The accusative noun Ἐπαφρόδιτον is expanded through apposition with six descriptors in three pairs:
| Greek Phrase | Role/Meaning | Genitive Modifier |
|---|---|---|
| τὸν ἀδελφόν | “brother” | implied: of Paul |
| συνεργὸν | “fellow worker” | μου (“my”) |
| συστρατιώτην | “fellow soldier” | μου (“my”) |
| ἀπόστολον | “messenger” | ὑμῶν (“your”) |
| λειτουργὸν | “servant” or “minister” | τῆς χρείας μου (“of my need”) |
Complementary Infinitive: πέμψαι
πέμψαι is the aorist active infinitive of πέμπω (“to send”), used here as a complementary infinitive with ἡγησάμην. It completes the meaning: “I considered it necessary to send…”
Prepositional Phrase: πρὸς ὑμᾶς
The phrase πρὸς ὑμᾶς (“to you”) shows the direction of the action and indicates the Philippian recipients of Epaphroditus’ return.
Key Observations
- Ἐπαφρόδιτον is identified with both personal affection and ministerial function.
- The use of six titles (three from Paul’s perspective, three from the Philippians’) reinforces Epaphroditus’ trusted role.
- The grammatical structure elegantly intertwines theology, friendship, and practical church mission.
Syntactical Unity of Ministry and Affection
The grammatical design of this sentence highlights how Paul viewed ministry: relational, sacrificial, and communal. The careful use of apposition, possessive genitives, and the complementary infinitive shows that Epaphroditus was not merely a courier but a brother, coworker, soldier, and priest-like servant. The syntax itself reinforces the nobility and necessity of gospel partnership.
